Online tool offers hereditary cancer risk assessment

Nine out of 10 people with a family history of cancer are thought to overestimate their risk, according to a poll last year. It also showed that 60 per cent of people wrongly believe that cancer is the biggest risk factor for cancer.

Users are asked to answer a few simple questions about themselves and their families, from which OPERA produces personalised information and advice.

DoH cancer czar Profesor Mike Richards said: ‘For many it will provide reassurance that the risk is not as high as they feared. For others it will provide the information which prompts them to see their GP.'